In the bustling Indian automotive market, the quest for the best compact SUVs in India is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation. As drivers seek vehicles that offer a perfect balance of versatility, performance, and style, manufacturers continually innovate to meet their demands. From established favourites to eagerly awaited newcomers, the landscape of compact SUVs in India is dynamic and ever-evolving. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into expert reviews and comparisons to uncover the top contenders in the segment, including both the best options currently available and the most anticipated upcoming compact SUV in India. Join us as we navigate through this exciting terrain and discover the best compact SUVs that the Indian market has to offer.
1. Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
Starting Price: Rs. 11.39 Lakh
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus stands tall among the best compact SUVs in India with its robust build, powerful performance, and rugged design. Priced at Rs. 11.39 Lakh, this versatile SUV offers exceptional value for money, making it a top choice for drivers seeking reliability and versatility. With its impressive powertrain options and advanced features, the Bolero Neo Plus is poised to make waves in the segment of compact SUVs in India.
Engine: 2184 cc
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual
Seating Capacity: 9 Seater
Best Feature: Larger cabin accommodates extra seats
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
Starting Price: Rs. 7.74 Lakh
Priced competitively at Rs. 7.74 Lakh, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor emerges as a strong contender among the best compact SUVs in India. With its efficient engine, stylish design, and advanced features, the Urban Cruiser Taisor offers a compelling blend of performance and value. As an upcoming release in the segment of the most powerful compact SUVs in India, the Urban Cruiser Taisor is generating significant anticipation among drivers.
Engine: 1197 cc & 998 cc
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: Revised nose, bumpers and alloys differentiate it from the Fronx.
- Maruti Fronx
Starting Price: Rs. 7.51 Lakh
The Maruti Fronx is making waves in the realm of compact SUVs in India with its sleek design, fuel-efficient engine, and an affordable price tag of Rs. 7.51 Lakh. As one of the best options for drivers seeking a reliable and economical compact SUV, the Fronx offers impressive value for money. With its anticipated release in the Indian market, the Fronx is poised to set new standards for upcoming compact SUVs in India.
Mileage: 20.01 to 28.51 kmpl
Engine: 1197 cc & 998 cc
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: The coupe SUV's appearance makes it look refreshingly different.
- Tata Punch
Starting Price: Rs. 6.13 Lakh
Priced competitively at Rs. 6.13 Lakh, the Tata Punch is redefining the segment of compact SUVs in India with its bold design, powerful performance, and advanced features. As one of the most anticipated releases in the market, the Punch promises to deliver exceptional value for money and versatility. With its robust build and impressive powertrain options, the Punch is poised to become one of the best compact SUVs in India.
Mileage: 18.8 to 26.99 kmpl
Engine: 1199 cc
Safety: 5 Star (Global NCAP)
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: Comfortable rear seat with ample leg- and headroom.
- Tata Nexon
Starting Price: Rs. 8.15 Lakh
The Tata Nexon stands out as one of the best compact SUVs in India with its stylish design, advanced features, and competitive price of Rs. 8.15 Lakh. Renowned for its powerful performance and spacious interior, the Nexon offers unmatched value for money in its segment. As one of the most powerful compact SUV in India, the Nexon delivers a thrilling driving experience combined with fuel efficiency and reliability.
Mileage: 17.01 to 24.08 kmpl
Engine: 1199 cc & 1497 cc
Safety: 5 Star (Global NCAP)
Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: Strong mid-range, high-speed stability, flexible gearbox.
- Hyundai Exter
Starting Price: Rs. 6.13 Lakh
Priced affordably at Rs. 6.13 Lakh, the Hyundai Exter is poised to make a splash in the segment of compact SUVs in India. With its sleek design, efficient engine, and advanced features, the Exter offers exceptional value for money. As an upcoming release in the market, the Exter is generating significant anticipation among drivers seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.
Mileage: 19.2 to 27.1 kmpl
Engine: 1197 cc
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity; 5 Seater
Best Feature: Light controls/compact dimensions make it easy to drive.
7. Kia Sonet
Starting Price: Rs. 7.99 Lakh
The Kia Sonet has quickly established itself as one of the best compact SUVs in India with its bold design, powerful performance, and competitive price of Rs. 7.99 Lakh. Renowned for its advanced features and spacious interior, the Sonet offers unmatched value for money in its segment. As one of the most powerful compact SUV in India, the Sonet delivers a thrilling driving experience combined with fuel efficiency and reliability.
Engine: 1197 cc, 1493 cc & 998 cc
Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
Transmission: Manual, Clutchless Manual (IMT) & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: The 1.5-litre diesel is available with a manual gearbox.
- Maruti Brezza
Starting Price: Rs. 8.34 Lakh
Priced competitively at Rs. 8.34 Lakh, the Maruti Brezza continues to reign supreme in the segment of compact SUVs in India. With its rugged design, reliable performance, and spacious interior, the Brezza offers exceptional value for money. As one of the most popular choices among Indian drivers, the Brezza is known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability.
Mileage: 19.05 to 25.51 kmpl
Engine: 1462 cc
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: The interiors feel airy and have adequate storage spaces.
- Mahindra XUV300
Starting Price: Rs. 7.99 Lakh
The Mahindra XUV300 stands out as one of the best compact SUVs in India with its powerful performance, advanced features, and competitive price of Rs. 7.99 Lakh. Renowned for its robust build and spacious interior, the XUV300 offers unmatched value for money in its segment. As one of the most powerful compact SUV in India, the XUV300 delivers a thrilling driving experience combined with fuel efficiency and reliability.
Engine: 1197 to 1497 cc
Safety: 5 Star (Global NCAP)
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: The diesel engine has a torque figure of 300Nm, which is more than what you get in cars one segment above it – the Seltos/Creta diesel version has 250Nm. Even the petrol engine’s torque figure is the best in the segment.
- Hyundai Venue
Starting Price: Rs. 7.94 Lakh
Priced affordably at Rs. 7.94 Lakh, the Hyundai Venue continues to impress as one of the best compact SUVs in India. With its stylish design, efficient engine, and advanced features, the Venue offers exceptional value for money. As one of the most popular choices among Indian drivers, the Venue is known for its reliability, comfort, and affordability.
Mileage: 23.4 kmpl
Engine: 998 to 1493 cc
Transmission: Manual & Automatic
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Best Feature: The compact SUV was the forerunner in bringing in segment-best features like a powered seat for the driver, two-step rear reclining seats, wireless charger, air purifier, and paddle shifters as well.
In conclusion, the landscape of compact SUVs in India offers a diverse range of options, each with its own unique blend of features, performance, and value for money. From the robust Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus to the sleek Hyundai Venue, there's a compact SUV to suit every driver's needs and preferences. While some, like the Tata Punch and Maruti Fronx, are upcoming releases generating anticipation, others like the Kia Sonet and Maruti Brezza have already established themselves as top contenders in the market.
